State Hampshire Association maintains breed’s integrity

HAMPSHIRES, from pg. 9

“That means their lines are sharp, they run uphill to the shoulder, their neck comes out of the top of their shoulder, extra extension in their neck, and they have a smooth stride as they walk,” he said. “Kind of like a super model at a fashion show.”

Scheller’s colleagues in the Minnesota Hampshire Sheep Association work together to assure that the Hampshire breed adheres to those characteristics and high standards. They also work to make the MHSA accessible to all who care about maintaining and improving the breed.

“I think the biggest thing we do is to offer alternatives to major shows and sales,” he said. “Some breeders may feel intimidated by trying to show or sell their sheep at a national event. Our sponsored events are on a smaller scale and there is less pressure on the exhibitor.”

“The two big events we host are The State Hampshire Show in Fairmont, Minn. in late August, and The Minnesota Bred Ewe Sale in late November. And in 2023 we are doing an online sheep sale for members also.”

To find a good general description and history of Hampshires, Rodney suggests looking at the American Hampshire Sheep Association web site at hampshires.org

He says that anyone interested in getting started raising Hampshires can contact him or any member of the association to answer questions and help them get started. Scheller can be reached directly at (612) 386-7479 or through the MHSA web site at mnhampshires.org.